Mark Chilton – LiveCricket.in
Chill discusses cricket
Archive for September, 2008
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27th
Durham became county champions yesterday with a resounding win at Canterbury to send Kent to division 2. After a season that has been heavily interrupted by the weather it is the geordies who have shown the most resolve in the last few weeks. Although i cannot begrudge Durham their victory it has been disappointing that Lancashire have been unable to impact the top of the table. If you look at the final positions one more win could have been enough for the red rose but unfortunately the games called off made life very difficult. I think most of us at Lancashire would hold our hands up and say some of our performances could have been better and we just weren’t consistent enough.
Over the last two or three seasons Durham have found a good mix of experience and youth and have been very competitive in all competitions and in my opinion are fully deserved of this victory. They play their cricket in the right way, hard but fair, and are well led by their captain Dale Benkenstein. Congratulations to all involved, a county season takes a lot of effort from a lot of people and i am sure they are enjoying their celebrations.
27th
The Yorkshire and England fast bowler, Darren Gough, has decided to retire from the first class cricket. With one game left in the season and Yorkshire fighting relegation Darren felt it was best for all parties to call time on an entertaining and successful career.
He has always played the game with a smile and boyish enthusiasm and has been a great personality for the game of cricket over the last 20 years. He has never suffered from a lack of self belief, even to the point where he claimed the strictly come dancing crown! I don’t know Darren particularly well, but the times our paths have crossed, he has been full of charisma and fun and been great company. I would like to wish him well for the future although something tells me his time in the limelight is not over yet!
22nd
Andrew Symonds, the world class Australian all-rounder, has been dropped by Australia just prior to their test series in India. The reports seem to suggest disciplinary reasons and clearly the Australian management are making a strong statement about the attitude required to be an Australian cricketer.
I played with Symonds at Lancashire and he is clearly a rough diamond, however, his attitude and commitment to the cause was second to no-one and he proved to be a huge asset to our side. Clearly there are a few commitment issues he is facing but I am sure after missing this series his hunger for the game will be back. Whatever the problems are, I hope to see Symo back out on the pitch playing all forms of cricket as soon as possible, he is one of the games great entertainers and it would be a shame for his career to come to a premature end.
20th
The most interesting aspect of this test series is the inclusion of two debutant spinners for the Australian Cricket side. There will be no doubt that the conditions in India will suit spin and India clearly have the edge in this department. First innings runs for the Aussies will be crucial because batting will become increasingly difficult for them as the game goes on.
The opening bowlers for the Aussies, one of whom will be Brett Lee, will be crucial to making inroads into a strong Indian batting line up. VVS Laxman batting at six looks extremely strong to me and I think the Aussies will have their work cut out.
This is a big series for both teams, Indian coach Gary Kirsten will be feeling the heat a little with the huge expectations that come with his job. The Aussies however have had there own issues recently and will look to answers a few critics out on the pitch. The return of Ricky Ponting will be a huge plus he is, in my opinion, the best batsman in the world.
16th
Who would have thought it? Cricket hosts the most valuable game in sporting history. Much has been written and spoken on the forthcoming millionaires Twenty20 match between Allen Stanfords all-star West Indies XI and the current England team ,so where do I stand…….utterly gobsmacked is a good way of putting it!
It is quite hard to believe that such vast amounts of money will be riding on one shot, one ball, one catch, one mistake or one hero.
I am sure that when the players think about it even now, their hearts start to race and the butterflies begin to flutter. What an amazing event to be involved in though, even if the cricket becomes secondary to the money and razzmatazz this will be a great spectacle that I am sure millions will be tuning in for.
All I can say is good luck and make sure that catch is taken!
15th
The reign of Kevin Pietersen could not have started any better. England have out performed South Africa in all departments, with the Captain immediately stamping his authority on both his side, and the opposition. He has clearly made demand on certain players roles and in my view been very perceptive with his choices. I like the Bell/Prior opening partnership, Shah at number three and also the extra responsibility given to Andrew Flintoff who has been asked to bat at number five.
He has also led from the front with both his demeanor and his own play, looking ultra confident at the crease this will give confidence to those players around him and definitely looks like it has happened with players like Bell and Flintoff both who are playing with renewed confidence. Long may it continue, a whitewash against South Africa would be a fabulous start.